Huntsman appears in court

A second member of the Middleton Hunt appeared in court following an investigation by the League Against Cruel Sports.

Kennel huntsman Barry Andrews, 33, is accused of interfering with a badger sett in woods at Bossall, Malton, by restricting the entrance.

Scarborough Magistrates were told the case is linked to that of Tom Holt,‎ the joint master of the Middleton Hunt, who appeared in court accused of a fox-hunting offence at a previous hearing.

Stephen Welford, defending both men, said the prosecutions resulted from the same investigation by the League Against Cruel Sports.

No trial date could be set because both sides would need to consult expert witnesses, the court heard.

Andrews, of Kennels Cottages, Birdsall, Malton, denied the offence under the 1992 Protection of Badgers Act.

Prosecutor Kathryn Reeve alleged the incident happened on March 12 this year.

The case was adjourned for a case management hearing until September 25, the same date as Holt, 28, who is charged with hunting a wild mammal with dogs at Knapton Lodge, West Knapton, Malton, last February 19.

‎Both hunt members were excused attendance on September 25.

A District Judge may be appointed to hear both cases, the court heard.

Holt, of Leavening, Malton, appeared before Scarborough Magistrates on September 3 and also pleaded not guilty.